Compounds for a controlled release of active perfuming molecules

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. More particularly, it concerns compounds comprising at least one β-thio carbonyl or nitrile moiety capable of liberating an active molecule selected from an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile. The present invention concerns also the use of said compounds in perfumery as well as the perfuming compositions or perfumed articles comprising the invention&#39;s compounds. (I) wherein: a) m represents an integer from 1 to 6; b) Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile and is represented by the formulae (II) or (II′) in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and the sulfur atom S; and at least one of the Pro groups is of the formula (II) or (II′).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. More particularly, it concerns compounds comprising at least one β-thio carbonyl or nitrile moiety capable of liberating an active molecule such as, for example, an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile. The present invention concerns also the use of said compounds in perfumery as well as the perfuming compositions or perfumed articles comprising the invention's compounds.

PRIOR ART

The perfume industry has a particular interest for compounds which are capable of prolonging the effect of active ingredients over a certain period of time, for example in order to overcome the problems encountered when using perfuming ingredients which are too volatile or have a poor substantivity. These compounds can be used in various applications, as for example in fine or functional perfumery. The washing of textiles is a particular field in which there is a constant quest to enable the effect of active substances, in particular perfumes, to be effective for a certain period of time after washing and drying. Indeed, many substances having fragrances which are particularly suitable for this type of application are, in fact, known to lack tenacity on laundry, or do not remain on the laundry when rinsed, with the result that their perfuming effect is experienced only briefly and not very intensely. Given the importance of this type of application in the perfume industry, research in this field has been sustained, in particular with the aim of finding new, and more effective solutions to the aforementioned problems.

Amongst the compounds of the present invention, only a few are known from the prior art. Said known compounds are phenylmethyl 2-[[1-methyl-1-(4-methyl-2-oxocyclohexyl)-ethyl]thio]-acetate (mentioned in CAS but no reference reported), methyl 2-[[[(1S,2R,5R)-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxobicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-yl]methyl]thio]-acetate (E. Mountaudon et al. in Helv. Chim. Acta, 2000, 83, 616), ethyl/methyl 2-((3-oxo-1,3-diphenylpropyl)thio)acetate and methyl 2-[(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)thio]-acetate (X. Feng et al. in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2010, 49, 4290), 2-((2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)acetic acid and ethyl 2-((2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)acetate (E. V. Sirazieva et al. in Chem. Nat. Compd., 2006, 42, 693), 3-phenyl-2-propenenitrile (WO 03/029188). Other compounds similar to those of formula (I) have been described but they are not able to release a perfuming ingredient: 2-allyl-3-methyl-4-carboxymethylthio-2-cyclopentenone (U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,174), 14-O-[(cyclohexanone-3(R/S)-yl)-sulfanylacetyl]-mutilin (WO 2007/014409), methyl 2-(((1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)(phenyl)methyl)thio)acetate and methyl 2-(((1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)(phenyl)methyl)thio)acetate (supporting information of X. Feng et al. in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2010, 49, 4290).

However, all the compounds mentioned above have been used as synthetic intermediates and not as perfuming ingredients. Moreover, in the documents mentioned to hereinabove, there is no mention or suggestion of the potential use of said compounds as perfuming ingredients and more specifically of the use of said compounds to control the release of active, e.g. odoriferous, molecules.

Some β-thio carbonyls are a known class of compound useful as perfumery ingredient (see WO 03/049666) which describe inter alia 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone. However, WO 03/049666 does not anticipate that the present compounds provided such increase performance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We have, surprisingly, discovered the existence of compounds comprising at least one β-thio carbonyl or nitrile moiety and which are capable of liberating an active molecule. As “active molecule” we mean here any molecule capable of bringing an odor benefit or effect into its surrounding environment, and in particular an odoriferous molecule, i.e. a perfuming ingredient, such as an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile. The invention's compounds are thus valuable perfuming ingredients.

Therefore a first aspect of the present invention concerns the compounds of formula

wherein:

-   a) m represents an integer from 1 to 6; -   b) Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of     generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or     nitrile and is represented by the formulae

-   -   in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond         between said Pro and the sulfur atom S;     -   R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or         branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, optionally         substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; and     -   R², R³ and R⁴ represent a hydrogen atom, a C₆₋₉ aromatic group         or a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or         alkadienyl group, said R², R³ and R⁴ being optionally         substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; or two, or three, of the         groups R¹ to R⁴ are bonded together to form a saturated or         unsaturated ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and including the         carbon atom to which said R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ groups are bonded,         this ring being optionally substituted by C₁₋₈ linear, branched         or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups;     -   and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of         the formula (II) or (II′) as defined hereinabove;

-   c) X represents an oxygen atom or a NR⁵ group, R⁵ being a hydrogen     atom or a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbon group;     -   d) R represents a divalent linear, branched or cyclic         hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally         comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group;         and     -   e) G represents a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal cation, an         ammonium cation, or a multivalent C₁₋₂₂ hydrocarbon group (i.e.         having a m valence) optionally comprising one silicium atom         and/or from 1 or 2 functional groups selected from the group         consisting of ether, alcohol, ester, ketone, quaternary amine or         amine, or represents mono- or divalent C₄₋₃₀ hydrocarbon group         comprising from 2 to 15 ether functional groups.

As “α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile”, expression used in the definition of Pro, we mean here an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile which is recognized by a person skilled in the art as being used in perfumery as perfuming ingredient. It is understood that said “odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile” in order to be qualified as perfuming ingredient must be able to impart or modify in a positive or pleasant way the odor of a composition, and not just have an odor.

In general, said odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile is a compound having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, or even more preferably between 10 and 15 carbon atoms.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said group Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile and is represented by the formulae

-   -   in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond         between said Pro and the sulfur atom S;     -   R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ linear, cyclic or         branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, optionally         substituted by one to four C₁₋₃ alkyl groups; and     -   R² represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₃ alkyl group or a phenyl         group optionally substituted by one or two C₁₋₃ alkyl groups;     -   R³ and R⁴ represent a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, a C₇₋₉         phenylalkyl group or a C₁ to C₁₀ linear, cyclic or branched         alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, said R³ and R⁴ being         optionally substituted by one to four C₁₋₄ alkyl groups;     -   or two, or three, of the groups R¹ to R⁴ are bonded together to         form a saturated or unsaturated ring having 6 to 12 carbon atoms         and including the carbon atom to which said R¹, R², R³ or R⁴         groups are bonded, this ring being optionally substituted by one         to four C₁₋₄ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups;         and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of         the formula (II) or (II′) as defined hereinabove.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said group Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group of the formulae (P-1) to (P-16), in the form of any one of its isomers:

in which formulae the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and to the S atom, the dotted lines represent a single or double bond, R⁷ indicating a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of the formulae (P-1) to (P-16) as defined hereinabove.

According to any one of the invention's embodiments, said Pro group is a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde, or nitrile, and in particular an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone or aldehyde.

According to any one of the invention's embodiments, said group Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone or aldehyde and is represented by the formula (II) as defined above.

According to any one of the invention's embodiments, said group Pro is a group of the formulae (P-1) to (P-11), as defined above.

According to any one of the invention's embodiments, said group Pro is a group of the formulae (P-1) to (P-7), as defined above.

According to any one of the invention's embodiments, said group Pro is a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous compound selected amongst: alpha-damascone, beta-damascone, gamma-damascone, delta-damascone, alpha-ionone, beta-ionone, gamma-ionone, delta-ionone, beta-damascenone, 3-methyl-5-propyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 1-(5,5- or 3,3-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-penten-1-one, 2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-enone (carvone), 8- or 10-methyl-alpha-ionone, 2-octenal, 1-(2,2,3,6-tetramethyl-1-cyclohexyl)-2-buten-1-one, 4-(2,2,3,6-tetramethyl-1-cyclohexyl)-3-buten-2-one, 2-cyclopentadecen-1-one, nootkatone, cinnamic aldehyde, 2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen-4′-one and 3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal (citral).

Amongst the odoriferous compounds cited in the list hereinabove, it will be preferably selected: the damascones, ionones, beta-damascenone, 1-(5,5- or 3,3-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-penten-1-one, carvone, 1-(2,2,3,6-tetramethyl-1-cyclohexyl)-2-buten-1-one, 4-(2,2,3,6-tetramethyl-1-cyclohexyl)-3-buten-2-one and citral.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group X is an oxygen atom or an NR⁵ or NH group wherein R⁵ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group X is an oxygen atom or an NH group, in particular an oxygen atom.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group R represents a linear or branched C₁-C₃, alkanediyl group optionally comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group. Specific, and non-limiting, examples of said R is a CH(Me), CH₂, CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂(CH₂)₂CH₂, CH(Me)CH₂ or a CH(CH₂COOH) or CH(CH₂COOM) group, M being an alkaline metal cation.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said m is an integer from 1 to 4, in particular it represents 1 or 2. According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said m is 1.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group G represents:

-   -   a hydrogen atom, a sodium or potassium cation, an ammonium         cation or a C₁₋₈ quaternary amine cation;     -   a group of formula Si(R⁶)_(4-m), in which m is an integer from 1         to 4 and R⁶ represents a C₁₋₈ hydrocarbon or alkoxyl group;     -   a C₁₋₁₀, or even a C₁₋₇, linear, branched or cyclic alkyl,         alkenyl or aromatic group optionally comprising from 1 or 2         ether, ester, quaternary amines or ketone functional groups (in         which case m is 1);     -   a C₂₋₁₀ linear, branched or cyclic alkanediyl or benzenediyl         group optionally comprising from 1 or 2 ether, ester, quaternary         amines or ketone functional groups (in which case m is 2);     -   a C₄₋₁₀ branched or cyclic alkane-tri/tetra-yl group optionally         comprising from 1 or 2 ether, ester, quaternary amines or ketone         functional groups (in which case m is 3 or 4); or     -   a (CH₂CH₂O)_(q)R′ group with R′ being a hydrogen atom or a         methyl group and with q being an integer varying between 3 and         12.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group G represents:

-   -   a hydrogen atom, a sodium or potassium cation, the ammonium         cation or a C₁₋₈ quaternary amine cation;     -   a group of formula Si(R⁶)₃, R⁶ represents a C₁₋₃ alkyl or         alkoxyl group;     -   a C₁₋₅, or even a C₁₋₄, linear or branched alkyl group         optionally comprising from 1 or 2 ether or quaternary amines         functional groups; or     -   a (CH₂CH₂O)_(q)R′ group with R′ being a hydrogen atom or a         methyl group and with q being an integer varying between 8 and         12.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group G represents:

-   -   a hydrogen atom, a sodium or potassium cation, the ammonium         cation or a C₁₋₈ quaternary amine cation; or     -   a C₁₋₅, or even a C₁₋₄, linear or branched alkyl group.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said group G represents a hydrogen atom, a sodium or potassium cation, the ammonium cation or a C₁₋₈ quaternary amine cation, a Si(Me)₃ group or a methyl or ethyl group.

According to any one of the above embodiments of the invention, said moiety G[X—CO—R—SH]_(m), in particular when m is 1, is a C₂₋₈ group, in particular a C₂₋₅ or a C₂₋₄ group.

Specific, and non-limiting, examples of said G group are the ones derived from the herein below examples of the G[X—CO—R—SH]_(m), compounds, i.e. when it is mentioned 2-ethylhexyl 3-mercaptopropionate, the corresponding G group is a 2-ethylhexyl group and m is 1.

It is understood that by the expression “a linear, branched or cyclic . . . alkyl, alkenyl or aromatic group”, or the similar, it is meant that said group can be in the form of, e.g., a linear alkyl group or can also be in the form of a mixture of said type of groups, e.g. a specific group may comprise a linear alkyl, a branched alkenyl, a (poly)cyclic alkyl and an aryl moiety, unless a specific limitation to only one type is mentioned. Similarly, in all the above and below embodiments of the invention, when a group is mentioned as being in the form of more than one type of topology (e.g. linear, cyclic or branched) and/or contains an unsaturation (e.g. alkyl, aromatic or alkenyl) it is meant also a group which may comprise moieties having any one of said topologies or unsaturations, as above explained. Similarly, in all the above and below embodiments of the invention when a group is mentioned as being in the form of a ring, said ring can be in a simple ring or a bicycle, a spiro cycle, and etc.

According to any one of the above embodiments, said compound (I) is a compound of formula

wherein Pro and G are as defined above, n is 1 or 2, and R⁸ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or a CH₂COOH or a CH₂COOM group, with M being defined as above.

When m in formula (I) is equal to 2, 3 or 4, then each of the various Pro may be identical or different, as well as each of the R.

The compounds of formula (I) may be synthesized from commercially available compounds by conventional methods. Generally speaking, the invention's compounds are obtainable by the [1,4]-addition reaction between an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile of formula

wherein the configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond can be of the E or Z type and the symbols R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ have the meaning indicated above; and a compound of formula G[X—CO—R—SH]_(m), wherein all the symbols have the meaning given in formula (I).

A particular example of this approach is illustrated in the following scheme:

Specific examples or alternative approaches are described in the examples herein below.

Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of the compounds of formula G[X—CO—R—SH]_(m) which may be used in the synthesis of the invention's compounds, one can cite as preferred examples the following: thioglycolic acid, ammonium thioglycolate, 2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate, methyl thioglycolate, ethyl thioglycolate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl 2-mercaptoacetate, (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl 2-mercaptoacetate, trimethylolpropane tris(thioglycolate), pentaerythritol tetra(mercaptoacetate), 2-mercaptopropionic acid, ammonium 2-mercaptopropionate, methyl 2-mercaptopropionate, ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl 2-mercaptopropionate, 1-hydroxyethyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 2-hydroxypropyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 3-hydroxypropyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 3-hydroxybutyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 4-hydroxybutyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, methyl 3-mercaptopropionate, 3-mercapto-N,N-dimethylpropanamide, 2-ethylhexyl 3-mercaptopropionate, 3-methoxybutyl 3-mercaptopropionate, octadecyl 3-mercaptopropionate, butyl 3-mercaptopropionate, 3-mercapto-2-methylpropanoic acid, pentaerythritol tetra-(3-mercaptopropionate), trimethylolpropane tris-(3-mercaptopropionate), 2-mercaptosuccinic acid, 4-mercaptobutanoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 2-methoxyethyl 2-mercaptoacetate, 3-methoxybutyl thioglycolate, 2,5,8,11-tetraoxamidecan-13-yl 2-mercaptoacetate, 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-dodecaoxaheptatriacontan-37-yl 2-mercaptoacetate, ethane-1,2-diyl bis(2-mercapto acetate), 1,4-butanediol bis(thioglycolate), and (ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(2-mercaptoacetate).

Particularly preferred compounds of formula G[X—CO—R—SH]_(m) are the following: thioglycolic acid, ammonium thioglycolate, methyl thioglycolate, 2-mercaptopropionic acid, ammonium 2-mercaptopropionate, methyl 2-mercaptopropionate, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, methyl 3-mercaptopropionate, 3-mercapto-2-methylpropanoic acid and 2-mercaptosuccinic acid.

It is understood that the α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile of formulae (III) or (IV) are the odoriferous compounds released by the compound of formula (I) upon decomposition. An example of said decomposition reaction is illustrated in the following scheme:

The residues of the decomposition reaction may be themselves odorless compounds, have themselves an odor or release a perfuming alcohol GOH. According to a particular embodiment, said residues are odorless compounds. Similarly, the compound of formula (I) is preferably odorless.

The decomposition reaction, which leads to the release of the odoriferous molecules, is believed to be influenced by pH changes, the presence of oxygen or other oxidants, enzymes or heat, but may be triggered by other types of mechanisms or the combination of several mechanisms.

As mentioned above, the invention concerns the use of a compound of formula (I) as perfuming ingredient. In other words, it concerns a method to confer, enhance, improve or modify the odor properties of a perfuming composition or of a perfumed article, which method comprises adding to said composition or article an effective amount of at least a compound of formula (I). By “use of a compound of formula (I)” it has to be understood here also the use of any composition containing a compound (I) and which can be advantageously employed in perfumery industry.

Said compositions, which in fact can be advantageously employed as perfuming ingredients, are also an object of the present invention.

Therefore, another object of the present invention is a perfuming composition comprising:

-   i) as perfuming ingredient, at least one invention's compound as     defined above; -   ii) at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of a     perfumery carrier and a perfumery base; and -   iii) optionally at least one perfumery adjuvant.

By “perfumery carrier” we mean here a material which is practically neutral from a perfumery point of view, i.e. that does not significantly alter the organoleptic properties of perfuming ingredients. Said carrier may be a liquid or a solid.

As liquid carrier one may cite, as non-limiting examples, an emulsifying system, i.e. a solvent and a surfactant system, or a solvent commonly used in perfumery. A detailed description of the nature and type of solvents commonly used in perfumery cannot be exhaustive. However, one can cite as non-limiting examples solvents such as dipropyleneglycol, diethyl phthalate, isopropyl myristate, benzyl benzoate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-1-ethanol or ethyl citrate, which are the most commonly used. For the compositions which comprise both a perfumery carrier and a perfumery base, other suitable perfumery carriers than those previously specified, can be also water (in which case a solubilizing amount of surfactants may be necessary), ethanol, water/ethanol mixtures, limonene or other terpenes, isoparaffins such as those known under the trademark Isopar® (origin: Exxon Chemical) or glycol ethers and glycol ether esters such as those known under the trademark Dowanol® (origin: Dow Chemical Company).

As solid carriers one may cite, as non-limiting examples, absorbing gums or polymers, or yet encapsulating materials. Examples of such materials may comprise wall-forming and plasticizing materials, such as mono, di- or trisaccharides, natural or modified starches, hydrocolloids, cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinylalcohols, proteins or pectins, or yet the materials cited in reference texts such as H. Scherz, Hydrokolloide: Stabilisatoren, Dickungs- and Geliermittel in Lebensmitteln, Band 2 der Schriftenreihe Lebensmittelchemie, Lebensmittelqualität, Behr's Verlag GmbH & Co., Hamburg, 1996. The encapsulation is a well known process to a person skilled in the art, and may be performed, for instance, using techniques such as spray-drying, agglomeration or yet extrusion; or consists of a coating encapsulation, including coacervation and complex coacervation technique.

By “perfumery base” we mean here a composition comprising at least one perfuming co-ingredient.

Said perfuming co-ingredient is not of formula (I). Moreover, by “perfuming co-ingredient” it is meant here a compound, which is used in a perfuming preparation or a composition to impart a hedonic effect. In other words such a co-ingredient, to be considered as being a perfuming one, must be recognized by a person skilled in the art as being able to impart or modify in a positive or pleasant way the odor of a composition, and not just as having an odor.

The nature and type of the perfuming co-ingredients present in the base do not warrant a more detailed description here, which in any case would not be exhaustive, the skilled person being able to select them on the basis of his general knowledge and according to intended use or application and the desired organoleptic effect. In general terms, these perfuming co-ingredients belong to chemical classes as varied as alcohols, lactones, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, nitriles, terpenoids, nitrogenous or sulphurous heterocyclic compounds and essential oils, and said perfuming co-ingredients can be of natural or synthetic origin. Many of these co-ingredients are in any case listed in reference texts such as the book by S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, N.J., USA, or its more recent versions, or in other works of a similar nature, as well as in the abundant patent literature in the field of perfumery. It is also understood that said co-ingredients may also be compounds known to release in a controlled manner various types of perfuming compounds, or can be an encapsulated perfume.

By “perfumery adjuvant” we mean here an ingredient capable of imparting additional added benefit such as a color, a particular light resistance, chemical stability, etc. A detailed description of the nature and type of adjuvant commonly used in perfuming bases cannot be exhaustive, but it has to be mentioned that said ingredients are well known to a person skilled in the art.

An invention's composition consisting of at least one compound of formula (I) and at least one perfumery carrier represents a particular embodiment of the invention as well as a perfuming composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I), at least one perfumery carrier, at least one perfumery base, and optionally at least one perfumery adjuvant.

It is useful to mention here that the possibility to have, in the compositions mentioned above, more than one compound of formula (I) is important as it enables the perfumer to prepare accords, perfumes, possessing the odor tonality of various compounds of the invention, creating thus new tools for his work.

Furthermore, the invention's compound can also be advantageously used in all the fields of modern perfumery, i.e. fine or functional perfumery, to positively impart or modify the odor of a consumer product into which said compound (1) is added. Indeed, for example, the invention's compounds are capable of levitating problems often encountered with classical perfuming ingredients present as such which in washing or perfuming compositions can have little staying-power on a surface and consequently are often eliminated, for example in the rinsing water or upon drying of surfaces such as textiles, hard surfaces, hair and skin.

Consequently, a perfuming consumer product which comprises:

-   -   i) as perfuming ingredient, at least one compound of formula         (I), as defined above; and     -   ii) a perfumery consumer base; is also an object of the present         invention.

The invention's compound can be added as such or as part of an invention's perfuming composition.

For the sake of clarity, it has to be mentioned that, by “perfuming consumer product” it is meant a consumer product which is expected to deliver at least a perfuming effect, in other words it is a perfumed consumer product. For the sake of clarity, it has to be mentioned that, by “perfumery consumer base” we mean here the functional formulation, as well as optionally additional benefit agents, corresponding to a consumer product which is compatible with perfuming ingredients and is expected to deliver a pleasant odor to the surface to which it is applied (e.g. skin, hair, textile, or home surface). In other words, a perfuming consumer product according to the invention comprises the functional formulation, as well as optionally additional benefit agents, corresponding to the desired consumer product, e.g. a detergent or an air freshener, and an olfactive effective amount of at least one invention's compound.

The nature and type of the constituents of the perfumery consumer base do not warrant a more detailed description here, which in any case would not be exhaustive, the skilled person being able to select them on the basis of his general knowledge and according to the nature and the desired effect of said product.

Non-limiting examples of suitable perfumery consumer base can be a perfume, such as a fine perfume, a cologne or an after-shave lotion; a fabric care product, such as a liquid or solid detergent, a fabric softener, a fabric refresher, an ironing water, a paper, or a bleach; a body-care product, such as a hair care product (e.g. a shampoo, a coloring preparation or a hair spray), a cosmetic preparation (e.g. a vanishing cream or a deodorant or antiperspirant), or a skin-care product (e.g. a perfumed soap, shower or bath mousse, oil or gel, or a hygiene product); an air care product, such as an air freshener or a “ready to use” powdered air freshener; or a home care product, such as a wipe, a dish detergent or hard-surface detergent.

Preferred perfuming compositions or perfumed articles are perfumes, fabric or hard-surface detergents, hair care product or softener bases.

Typical examples of fabric detergents or softener compositions into which the compounds of the invention can be incorporated are described in WO 97/34986, in WO 2012/113756 or in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,180 and 5,236,615 or in EP 799 885. Other typical detergents and softening compositions which can be used are described in works such as Ullman's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A8, pages 315-448 (1987) and vol. A25, pages 747-817 (1994); Flick, Advanced Cleaning Product Formulations, Noye Publication, Park Ridge, N.J. (1989); Showell, in Surfactant Science Series, vol. 71: Powdered Detergents, Marcel Dekker, New York (1988); Proceedings of the World Conference on Detergents (4th, 1998, Montreux, Switzerland), AOCS print.

Some of the above-mentioned consumer product bases may represent an aggressive medium for the invention's compound, so that it may be necessary to protect the latter from premature decomposition, for example by encapsulation or by chemically bounding it to another chemical which is suitable to release the invention's ingredient upon a suitable external stimulus, such as an enzyme, light, heat or a change of pH.

The proportions in which the compounds according to the invention can be incorporated into the various aforementioned articles or compositions vary within a wide range of values. These values are dependent on the nature of the article to be perfumed and on the desired organoleptic effect as well as the nature of the co-ingredients in a given base when the compounds according to the invention are mixed with perfuming co-ingredients, solvents or additives commonly used in the art.

For example, in the case of perfuming compositions, typical concentrations are in the order of 0.001% to 5% by weight, or even more, of the compounds of the invention based on the weight of the composition into which they are incorporated. Concentrations lower than these, such as in the order of 0.01% to 1% by weight, can be used when these compounds are incorporated into perfumed articles, percentage being relative to the weight of the article.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described in further detail by way of the following examples, wherein the abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art, the temperatures are indicated in degrees centigrade (° C.); the NMR spectral data were recorded in CDCl₃ (if not stated otherwise) with a 360 or 400 MHz machine for ¹H and ¹³C, the chemical displacement δ are indicated in ppm with respect to the TMS as standard, the coupling constants J are expressed in Hz.

Example 1 Synthesis of Compounds of Formula (I) i) Synthesis of 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetic acid

(E)-1-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-one (delta-damascone; 47.0 g, 244 mmol) and 2-mercaptoacetic acid (22.0 g, 239 mmol) were stirred for 23 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE; 35 ml), washed several times with H₂O and concentrated under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (60.0 g; ca. 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture), containing some residual delta-damascone, can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (10% up to 50% in MTBE) as the eluent.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.7 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.9/33.1 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.6 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.6/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 176.4/176.5 (s), 212.2/212.3 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.32-1.37 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.62 (m, 1.5H); 2.75-2.79 (2s, 1H); 2.93-3.01 (m, 0.5H); 3.33-3.49 (m, 3H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H); 11.25 (s, 1H).

ii) Synthesis of 2-((3-oxo-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)pentyl)thio)acetic acid

(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)pent-1-en-3-one (main isomer of an isomeric mixture; 10.0 g, 48.5 mmol) and ammonium thioglycolate (70% aqueous solution; 8.4 g, 53.9 mmol) were stirred at room temperature for 9 d. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (30 ml), then extracted with MTBE (30 ml) in order to remove unreacted substrate. The aqueous phase containing the ammonium carboxylates was acidified with aqueous HCl (10%) and extracted with MTBE (2×50 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with H₂O and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum (0.1 mbar) at a maximum temperature of 70° C. The crude target compound (5.1 g, viscous oil) can be used as such.

¹³C-NMR: 7.7 (q), 22.8/23.1 (t), 25.2 (q), 27.5 (q), 28.5/28.7 (q), 31.1/31.7 (t), 33.4/33.5 (s), 34.6/35.5 (t), 36.6/36.7 (t), 40.0/41.9 (d), 47.6/50.1 (t), 54.2/55.1 (d), 123.7/124.9 (d), 132.0/133.3 (s), 176.1/176.6 (s), 210.1 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.84-1.12 (m, 9H); 1.12-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.75-2.09 (m, 6H); 2.38-2.54 (m, 2H); 2.59-3.00 (m, 2H); 3.20-3.50 (m, 2H); 3.70-3.85 (m, 1H); 5.45-5.53 (m, 1H); 10.54 (s, 1H).

iii) Synthesis of 2-((2-formyl-1-phenyloctyl)thio)acetic acid

Using the same experimental procedure as described in Example ii, the title compound was obtained from hexylcinnamic aldehyde and ammonium thioglycolate. The crude title compound (28.9 g; pale yellow liquid; 2:1 diastereoisomeric mixture), containing some residual hexylcinnamic aldehyde, can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (3% up to 80% in MTBE) as the eluent.

¹³C-NMR: 14.0 (q), 22.4 (t), 26.5 (t), 28.5 (t), 28.9 (t), 31.4 (t), 31.7 (t), 49.3 (d), 56.3 (d), 128.1 (d), 128.7 (2d), 128.8 (2d), 138.3 (s), 175.4 (s), 202.1 (d).

¹H-NMR: 0.77-0.90 (m, 3H); 1.05-1.86 (m, 11H); 2.86-2.97 (m, 1H); 2.97-3.10 (m, 1H); 3.57-3.64 (m, 1H); 4.20-4.39 (m, 1H); 7.22-7.38 (m, 5H); 9.48-9.65 (m, 1H).

iv) Synthesis of ammonium 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (18.5 g, 96 mmol) and ammonium thioglycolate (70% aqueous solution; 16.5 g, 106 mmol) were stirred at room temperature for 42 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (50 ml), and then extracted with MTBE (2×30 ml). Remaining starting material (3.2 g) was recovered from the combined organic phases by removing the solvent under reduced pressure. The aqueous phase containing the target ammonium carboxylate was concentrated under vacuum yielding the target compound (28.0 g; ca. 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture) as a white semi-crystalline material (97% yield).

¹³C-NMR: 19.3/19.4 (q), 20.5 (q), 20.7/21.0 (q), 29.1 (q), 30.9/31.2 (d), 32.4/32.5 (s), 33.7 (d), 35.6/35.7 (t), 40.9 (t), 54.1 (t), 61.2/61.4 (d), 124.0/124.1 (d), 131.5 (d), 172.4 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.81-0.87 (m, 6H); 0.92-0.97 (m, 3H); 1.16-1.22 (m, 3H); 1.61-1.70 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.24-2.41 (m, 2H); 2.49-2.54 (m, 1H); 2.70-2.78 (m, 1H); 3.04-3.09 (m, 2H); 3.20-3.29 (m, 1H); 5.41-5.47 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.56 (m, 1H); 6.80 (broad, NH₄).

v) Synthesis of trimethylsilyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

2-((4-Oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetic acid (Example i; 3.0 g, 10.6 mmol) and 2,2,2-trifluoro-N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (MSTFA; 3.0 ml) were heated at 40° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixture was purified by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 120° C., 0.1 mbar), affording 1.5 g of the title compound.

¹³C-NMR: −0.33 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.7/34.8 (t), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.8/54.9 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.8 (s), 212.0/212.1 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.29-0.33 (m, 9H); 0.86-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.30-1.37 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.26 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.63 (m, 1.5H); 2.72-2.79 (m, 1H); 2.91-3.02 (m, 0.5H); 3.27-3.47 (m, 3H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

vi) Synthesis of methyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (36.0 g, 187 mmol) and methyl 2-mercaptoacetate (15.0 g, 141 mmol) were stirred for 15 d at room temperature, yielding a mixture of the target compound and delta-damascone. Removal of volatile impurities at 40° C. under high vacuum gave 47.5 g (93% weight yield) of a mixture which can be used as such. A pure sample (99%; two diastereoisomers ca. 1:1) was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 95:5) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.8/32.9 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.4 (d), 41.7 (t), 52.4 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 171.0 (s), 211.9/212.0 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.32-1.37 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.60 (m, 2H); 2.73-2.77 (m, 1H); 3.29-3.47 (m, 3H); 3.739-3.743 (2s, 3H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

vii) Synthesis of methyl 2-((3-oxo-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)butyl)thio)acetate

This compound was prepared by stiffing (E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one (alpha-ionone; 5.0 g, 26.0 mmol), 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU; 0.25 g) and an excess of methyl 2-mercaptoacetate (10.0 g) at room temperature. After 11 h, the reaction was quenched with aqueous citric acid. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (15 ml), washed several times with H₂O, then with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (16.0 g), containing some residual alpha-ionone, can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 22.9/23.1 (t), 25.3/25.9 (q), 27.3/27.4 (q), 28.6/29.1 (q), 30.6 (q), 31.7 (t), 33.3/33.5 (s), 35.3 (t), 39.6 (d), 48.5/48.7 (t), 52.4/52.6 (q), 54.7/55.0 (d), 123.1/123.7 (d), 133.4/133.8 (s), 171.0/171.3 (s), 206.7 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87 (s, 0.7H); 0.92 (s, 2.3H); 1.02 (s, 3H); 1.10-1.33 (m, 2H); 1.46 (s, 1H); 1.78-1.88 (m, 3H); 1.94-2.05 (m, 3H); 2.15 (s, 2H); 2.67-2.75 (m, 1H); 3.25-3.39 (m, 2H); 3.73-3.82 (m, 5H); 5.40-5.50 (m, 1H).

viii) Synthesis of (E)-methyl 2-((1-cyano-2,6-dimethyloct-5-en-2-yl)thio)acetate-(Z)-methyl 2-((1-cyano-2,6-dimethyloct-5-en-2-yl)thio)acetate mixture

Using the same experimental procedure as described in Example vii the title compound was obtained from 3,7-dimethylnona-2,6-dienenitrile (Lemonile®; origin: Givaudan SA) and methyl 2-mercaptoacetate. The crude target compound (isomeric mixture (Z/E) 40:60; still containing some residual Lemonile®) can be used as such. Purification by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 135-140° C., 0.1 mbar) afforded >99% pure title compound mixture.

¹³C-NMR (deduced from the mixture): major isomer (E), 55% of the mixture, 12.7 (q), 16.0 (q), 22.9 (t), 25.5 (q), 30.6 (t), 30.9 (t), 32.3 (t), 39.6 (t), 46.9 (s), 52.7 (q), 116.9 (s), 121.2 (d), 138.3 (s), 170.9 (s); minor isomer (Z), 45% of the mixture, 12.8 (q), 16.0 (q), 22.6 (t), 24.8 (t), 25.5 (q), 30.6 (2t), 39.9 (t), 46.9 (s), 52.7 (q), 116.9 (s), 122.3 (d), 138.6 (s), 170.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.95-1.01 (m, 3H); 1.43-1.46 (m, 3H); 1.61-1.63 (m, 2H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 3H); 1.94-2.19 (m, 4H); 2.69-2.73 (m, 2H); 3.28-3.32 (m, 2H); 3.75 (s, 3H); 5.01-5.12 (m, 1H).

ix) Synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

This compound was prepared by stiffing delta-damascone (15.0 g, 78 mmol)), DBU (0.3 g) and a slight excess glycerol monothioglycolate (17.5 g) at room temperature. After 2.5 h the reaction was quenched with aqueous citric acid. The reaction mixture was diluted with methylene chloride (15 ml), washed several times with H₂O then brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under high vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (21.9 g; mixture of diastereoisomers; 78% yield) can be used as such.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.3 (q), 29.7/29.8 (q), 31.6/31.7 (d), 32.8/32.9 (t), 33.2 (s), 34.9/35.0 (d), 41.6/41.7 (t), 54.6/54.7 (t), 63.0 (d), 63.2/63.3 (t), 66.2/66.3 (t), 69.9/70.0 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.6/131.8 (d), 170.7 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.85-1.04 (m, 9H); 1.28-1.37 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 1H); 1.83-2.13 (m, 2H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.62 (m, 1.5H); 2.73-2.77 (m, 1H); 2.89-2.98 (m, 0.5H); 3.26-3.54 (m, 4H); 3.60-3.69 (m, 1H); 3.70-4.048 (m, 2H); 4.16-4.33 (m, 2H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

x) Synthesis of 3-methoxybutyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (14.0 g, 72.8 mmol), DBU (0.25 g) and 3-methoxybutyl 2-mercaptoacetate (12.0 g, 67.3 mmol) were stirred at room temperature. After 3 h the reaction was quenched with aqueous citric acid. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (10 ml), washed several times with H₂O, then with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under high vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (24.1 g; mixture of diastereoisomers) can be used as such. Further purification by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 170-200° C., 0.1 mbar) afforded 15.0 g (60% yield) of pure title compound.

¹³C-NMR: 19.1 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.0/33.1 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 35.5 (t), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 56.1 (q), 62.4 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 73.5 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.15-1.20 (m, 3H), 1.30-1.35 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.74-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.60 (m, 2H); 2.73-2.77 (m, 1H); 3.27-3.35 (m, 5H); 3.39-348 (m, 2H), 4.20-4.27 (m, 2H), 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xi) Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (14.12 g, 73.4 mmol) and 2-ethylhexyl 2-mercaptoacetate (10.0 g, 48.9 mmol) were stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The resulting mixture, containing the title compound and some residual delta-damascone, can be used as such. A sample of the pure target compound was obtained by bulb to bulb distillation (180° C., 0.1 mbar).

¹³C-NMR: 11.0 (q), 14.0 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 23.0 (t), 23.7 (t), 28.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 30.3 (t), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.0/33.1 (t), 33.1/33.3 (s), 35.3 (d), 38.7 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 67.8 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.8 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 9H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.26-1.42 (m, 11H); 1.55-1.74 (m, 2H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.52 (m, 1H); 2.56, 2.96 (m, 1H); 2.73-2.77 (2s, 1H); 3.27-3.32 (m, 2H); 3.38-3.48 (m, 1H); 4.01-4.10 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xii) Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl 2-((3-oxo-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)pentyl)thio)acetate

This compound was prepared by stirring (E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)pent-1-en-3-one (main isomer of an isomeric mixture; 10.0 g, 48.5 mmol), DBU (1.0 g) and 2-ethylhexyl 2-mercaptoacetate (15.0 g, 73.4 mmol) at room temperature. After 1 h the reaction was quenched with aqueous citric acid. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (10 ml), washed with H₂O and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under high vacuum (0.1 mbar) at a maximum temperature of 140° C. The crude title compound (16.0 g; mixture of diastereoisomers, ratio 44:26:26:3 by NMR) can be used as such.

¹³C-NMR (major isomer): 7.7 (q), 11.0 (q), 14.0 (q), 22.9 (t), 23.0 (t), 23.7 (t), 25.3 (q), 27.6 (q), 28.6 (q), 28.9 (t), 30.3 (t), 31.7 (t), 33.5 (s), 35.7 (t), 36.6 (t), 38.7 (d), 40.0 (d), 47.5 (t), 55.0 (d), 67.8 (t), 123.6 (d), 133.6 (s), 170.8 (s), 209.4 (s).

¹H-NMR (major isomer): 0.85-1.00 (m, 11H); 1.00-1.19 (m, 6H); 1.23-1.43 (m, 10H); 1.53-1.76 (m, 2H); 1.77-1.90 (m, 4H); 1.90-2.07 (m, 3H); 2.36-3.91 (m, 3H); 3.96-4.14 (m, 2H); 5.38-5.52 (m, 1H).

xiii) Synthesis of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Methyl 2-(4-oxo-4-((1S,2R)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-enyl)butan-2-ylthio)acetate (Example vi; 24.0 g, 52.3 mmol), dioctylstannanone (0.6 g), 9-fluorenylmethanol (10.0 g, 51.0 mmol) and n-heptane (50 ml) were refluxed for 4 h with azeotropic removal of methanol. The solvent as well as some of the remaining starting material was removed under high vacuum (0.1 mbar, 120° C.). Flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 95:5) on SiO₂ yielded the target compound (12.7 g, 53% yield).

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1 (s), 33.1/33.2 (t), 35.4 (d), 41.7 (t), 46.7 (d), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.7/62.8 (d), 67.3 (t), 120.0 (d), 124.1/124.2 (d), 125.1 (d), 127.1 (d), 127.8 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 141.3 (s), 143.6 (s), 170.4 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.85-0.90 (m, 3H); 0.91-0.98 (m, 6H); 1.28-1.34 (m, 3H); 1.63-1.72 (m, 1H); 1.90-1.99 (m, 1H); 2.16-2.22 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.59 (m, 1.5H); 2.73-2.77 (m, 1H); 2.91-2.99 (m, 0.5H); 3.34-3.47 (m, 3H); 4.20-4.27 (m, 1H); 4.41-4.44 (m, 2H); 5.40-5.47 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.57 (m, 1H); 7.28-7.35 (m, 2H); 7.36-7.43 (m, 2H); 7.62-7.77 (m, 2H); 7.74-7.78 (m, 2H).

xiv) Synthesis of 4-(2-mercaptoacetoxy)butyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (8.0 g, 41.6 mmol) and butane-1,4-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate) (8.0 g, 33.6 mmol) were stirred for 16 h at room temperature yielding a mixture of the target compound, delta-damascone and (S,R)-butane-1,4-diylbis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate). This mixture (16.0 g) can be used as such. A pure sample (96%; two diastereoisomers ca. 1:1) was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 60:40) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.8 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 25.1 (t), 25.2 (t), 26.5 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.0/33.1 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.7 (t), 65.1 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5/170.6 (s), 170.8 (s), 211.9/212.0 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.30-1.35 (m, 3H); 1.72-1.79 (m, 5H); 1.92-2.04 (m, 2H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.45-2.59 (m, 1.5H); 2.72-2.76 (m, 1H); 2.91-2.99 (m, 0.5H); 3.23-3.32 (m, 4H); 3.39-3.47 (m, 1H); 4.14-4.21 (m, 4H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xv) Synthesis of (S,R)-butane-1,4-diyl bis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate)

Using the same experimental procedure as described in Example xiv, but allowing a longer reaction time (66 h) gave a mixture (14 g) containing the title compound as the major ingredient. A pure sample (98%; two diastereoisomers ca. 1:1) was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 25.2 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 33.0/33.1 (t), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.8 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 6H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 12H); 1.30-1.35 (m, 6H); 1.66-1.78 (m, 6H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 2H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 2H); 2.46-2.59 (m, 3H); 2.73-2.77 (m, 2H); 2.91-2.99 (m, 1H); 3.27-3.33 (m, 4H); 3.39-3.47 (m, 2H); 4.14-4.21 (m, 4H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 2H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 2H).

xvi) Synthesis of (S,R)-2-ethyl-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1S,2R)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate)

Delta-damascone (33.0 g, 172 mmol) and 2-ethyl-2-((2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate) (10.5 g, 29.5 mmol) were stirred for 12 d at room temperature yielding a mixture of delta-damascone, the target compound, (S,R)-2-ethyl-2-((2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate) and 2-ethyl-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate). Removal of traces of volatile impurities under high vacuum at 50° C. gave a mixture (42.0 g) that can be used as such. A pure sample (90%) of the title compound was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 7.38 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.9/33.0 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.4 (d), 41.1 (s), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.5 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.1 (s), 211.7/211.8 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 12H); 0.93-1.00 (m, 18H); 1.29-1.34 (m, 9H); 1.50-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.74 (m, 3H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 3H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 3H); 2.47-2.97 (m, 9H); 3.30-3.34 (m, 6H); 3.36-3.46 (m, 3H); 4.12 (s, 6H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 3H); 5.50-5.57 (m, 3H).

xvii) Synthesis of 2-((2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate)

Delta-damascone (27.0 g, 140 mmol) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-mercaptoacetate) (10.0 g, 23.1 mmol) were stirred for 14 d at room temperature yielding a mixture of delta-damascone, the target compound, (S,R)-2-((2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate), 2,2-bis((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate) and 2-((2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-mercaptoacetate). Removal of traces of volatile impurities under high vacuum at 50° C. gave a mixture (36.3 g) that can be used as such. A pure sample (90%) of the title compound was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.8/32.9 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.5 (d), 41.7 (t), 42.5 (s), 54.6/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 62.9 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 169.9 (s), 211.7/211.8 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 12H); 0.93-1.00 (m, 24H); 1.31-1.33 (m, 12H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 4H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 4H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 4H); 2.47-2.97 (m, 12H); 3.31-3.44 (m, 12H); 4.25 (s, 8H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 4H); 5.51-5.58 (m, 4H).

xviii) Synthesis of (S,R)-2-(2-mercaptoacetoxy)methyl)-2-((2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetoxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate)

Using the same experimental procedure as described in Example xvii, but allowing a shorter reaction time (8 d), yielded a mixture containing the target compound. A pure sample (ca. 80%) was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.2/21.4 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.8/32.9 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.4 (d), 41.7 (t), 42.5/42.6 (s), 54.6/54.7 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 62.9 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 169.9 (s), 211.7/211.8 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 9H); 0.93-1.00 (m, 18H); 1.31-1.33 (m, 9H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 3H); 1.88-2.01 (m, 4H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 3H); 2.47-2.97 (m, 9H); 3.28-3.44 (m, 11H); 4.21-4.25 (m, 8H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 3H); 5.51-5.58 (m, 3H).

xix) Synthesis of 2-methoxyethyl 2-((4-oxo-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

2-Methoxyethanol (3.66 g, 48.1 mmol), thioglycolic acid (5.00 ml, 72.2 mmol) and dry toluene (50 ml) were stirred and a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid (one drop) was added. The solution was refluxed overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solvent was evaporated to give a colorless oil. The oil was taken up in dichloromethane (50 ml) and washed with water (2 twice 20 ml) and brine (40 ml). The organic phase was then dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give 2-methoxyethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (6.07 g, 84% yield) as a colorless oil.

Delta-damascone (3.00 g, 15.6 mmol), DBU (0.24 ml, 1.6 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (THF, 20 ml) were heated to 45° C. with stirring. A solution of 2-methoxyethyl 2-mercaptoacetate (15.6 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 12 h, cooled to room temperature and then concentrated to give a purple oil. The oil was taken up in dichloromethane (50 ml) and successively washed with aqueous HCl (5%, 2×20 ml), water (2×20 ml), and brine (40 ml). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to give a yellow oil with 61% yield.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.8/33.0 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 59.0 (q), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.3 (t), 70.3 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.6 (s), 211.8/212.0 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.36 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.02 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.45-2.55 (m, 1H); 2.72-2.78 (m, 1H); 2.50-2.60 and 2.92-3.00 (2 m, 1H); 3.27-3.38 (m, 2H); 3.39 (s, 3H); 3.40-3.50 (m, 1H); 3.58-3.65 (m, 2H); 4.26-4.32 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xx) Synthesis of 2,5,8,11-tetraoxamidecan-13-yl 2-((4-oxo-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

2,5,8,11-Tetraoxamidecan-13-yl 2-mercaptoacetate was synthesized from 2,5,8,11-tetraoxamidecan-13-ol (3.00 g, 14.4 mmol) and thioglycolic acid (1.50 ml, 21.7 mmol) as described above (Example xix), yielding a colorless oil (88% yield).

This compound (15.6 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was then added to a solution of delta-damascone (3.00 g, 15.6 mmol), DBU (0.24 ml, 1.6 mmol) and THF (20 ml) and treated as described above (Example xix) to give the title compound with 72% yield.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.9/33.0 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 59.0 (q), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.4 (t), 69.0 (t), 70.5/70.6 (t), 71.9 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5/170.8 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.28-1.36 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.02 (m, 1H); 2.17-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.44-2.57 (m, 1H); 2.72-2.78 (m, 1H); 2.50-2.60 and 2.91-3.00 (2 m, 1H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 2H); 3.38 (s, 3H); 3.40-3.50 (m, 1H); 3.52-3.58 (m, 2H); 3.58-3.69 (m, 10H); 3.69-3.76 (m, 2H); 4.26-4.32 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xxi) Synthesis of 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-dodecaoxaheptatriacontan-37-yl 2-((4-oxo-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate (average structure)

2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-Dodecaoxaheptatriacontan-37-yl 2-mercaptoacetate (average structure) was synthesized from 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-dodecaoxaheptatriacontan-37-ol (average structure, M_(n)=500) and thioglycolic acid as described above (Example xix) with 93% yield.

This compound (15.6 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was then added to a solution of delta-damascone (3.00 g, 15.6 mmol), DBU (0.24 ml, 1.6 mmol) and THF (20 ml) and treated as described above (Example xix) to give the title compound with 88% yield.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 31.9 (t), 32.9/33.0 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8/54.9 (t), 59.0 (q), 62.7/62.8/62.9 (t), 64.4/64.9 (t), 68.9 (t), 70.5/70.6 (t), 71.9 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5 (s), 211.8/212.0 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.84-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.03 (m, 6H); 1.28-1.38 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.02 (m, 1H); 2.17-2.26 (m, 1H); 2.43-2.57 (m, 1H); 2.72-2.79 (m, 1H); 2.50-2.62 and 2.90-3.01 (2 m, 1H); 3.26-3.37 (m, 2H); 3.38 (s, 3H); 3.39-3.50 (m, 1H); 3.52-3.59 (m, 2H); 3.59-3.69 (m, 40H); 3.69-3.77 (m, 2H); 4.25-4.34 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xxii) Synthesis of (ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(2-((4-oxo-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate)

(Ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(2-mercaptoacetate) was synthesized from 2,2′-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol (3.61 g, 21.1 mmol) and thioglycolic acid (5.00 ml, 72.2 mmol) as described above (Example xix) to give 6.25 g (87% yield) of a colorless oil.

This compound (2.33 g, 7.8 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was then added to a solution of delta-damascone (3.00 g, 15.6 mmol), DBU (0.24 ml, 1.6 mmol) and THF (20 ml) and treated as described above (Example xix) to give the title compound in 81% yield.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.1/21.3 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.9/33.0 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.7/54.8 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 64.4 (t), 69.0 (t), 70.6 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 170.5 (s), 211.8/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.85-0.92 (m, 6H); 0.93-1.02 (m, 12H); 1.28-1.36 (m, 6H); 1.65-1.75 (m, 2H); 1.91-2.02 (m, 2H); 2.18-2.25 (m, 2H); 2.44-2.57 (m, 2H); 2.72-2.78 (m, 2H); 2.50-2.60 and 2.91-3.00 (2 m, 2H); 3.27-3.39 (m, 4H); 3.39-3.50 (m, 2H); 3.64-3.69 (m, 4H); 3.70-3.75 (m, 4H); 4.26-4.38 (m, 4H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 2H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 2H).

xxiii) Synthesis of methyl 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)acetate

Delta-damascone (10.0 g, 52.0 mmol) and 2-mercaptopropionic acid (5.0 g, 47.1 mmol) were stirred for 48 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (35 ml), washed several times with H₂O then brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (14.0 g), containing some residual delta-damascone, can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (20% up to 40% in MTBE) as the eluent.

¹³C-NMR: 17.2/17.5 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.5/21.8 (q), 29.7/29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 35.3/35.4 (d), 40.6/41.0 (d), 41.7/41.8 (t), 54.5/55.5 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 179.1/179.5 (s), 211.9/212.6 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.93 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.02 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.37 (m, 3H); 1.42-1.50 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.61 (m, 1.4H); 2.71-2.82 (m, 1H); 2.84-3.08 (m, 0.6H); 3.45-3.63 (m, 2H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.57 (m, 1H); 10.11 (s, 1H).

xxiv) Synthesis of ammonium 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

Delta-damascone (18.2 g, 95 mmol) and ammonium 2-mercaptopropanoate (58% aqueous solution; 16.8 g, 79 mmol) were stirred for 17 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 ml), then extracted with MTBE (3×30 ml). Remaining starting material was recovered from the combined organic phases by removing the solvent under reduced pressure. The aqueous phase containing the target ammonium carboxylate was concentrated under vacuum yielding 21.2 g of the target compound as a white semi-crystalline material (71% yield).

¹³C-NMR: 18.3/18.4 (q), 19.3/19.4 (q), 20.5 (q), 21.0/21.3 (q), 29.1 (q), 30.9/31.2 (d), 32.4/32.5 (s), 33.6/33.7 (d), 40.9/41.0 (t), 42.2/42.5 (d), 54.4/54.5 (t), 61.2/61.4 (d), 124.0/124.2 (d), 131.5/131.6 (d), 174.9/175.0 (s), 212.1 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.81-0.87 (m, 6H); 0.92-0.97 (m, 3H); 1.15-1.21 (m, 3H); 1.22-1.27 (m, 3H); 1.61-1.70 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.24-2.41 (m, 2H); 2.49-2.53 (m, 1H); 2.53-3.02 (m, 2H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.47 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.56 (m, 1H); 7.40 (broad, NH₄).

xxv) Synthesis of 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoic acid

Delta-damascone (41.0 g, 213 mmol) and 3-mercaptopropanoic acid (15.0 g, 141 mmol) were stirred at room temperature for 68 h. The viscous reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (35 ml), washed several times with H₂O then brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (49.0 g), containing some residual delta-damascone, can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (20% up to 50% in MTBE) as the eluent.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 25.4/25.6 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.4/34.5 (d), 34.7 (t), 41.7/41.8 (t), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.9/63.0 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.8/131.8 (d), 177.9 (s), 212.2/212.3 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.00 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.34 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.47-2.58 (1.5H); 2.65-2.75 (m, 3H); 2.79-2.85 (m, 2H); 2.88-2.95 (m, 0.5H); 3.28-3.38 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.57 (m, 1H); 11.25 (s, 1H).

xxvi) Synthesis of trimethylsilyl 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

Using the same experimental procedure as described in Example v, the title compound was obtained from the acid described above (Example xxv).

¹³C-NMR: −0.2 (q), 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.8 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 25.8/25.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.3/34.4 (d), 36.4 (t), 41.8 (t), 55.1/55.2 (t), 62.9/63.0 (d), 124.1/124.2 (d), 131.8/131.9 (d), 172.4 (s), 212.2/212.3 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.29 (s, 9H); 0.87-0.91 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.00 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.33 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.57 (m, 1.5H); 2.58-2.64 (m, 2H); 2.70-2.73 (m, 1H); 2.75-2.81 (m, 2H); 2.87-2.94 (m, 0.5H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 1H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.57 (m, 1H).

xxvii) Synthesis of methyl 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

DBU (2.0 g) was added during 2 min to a mixture of delta-damascone (32.0 g, 166 mmol) and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (15.0 g, 125 mmol). After 2 h, the reaction was quenched with aqueous citric acid. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (15 ml), washed with H₂O and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under high vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The resulting mixture of the target compound (75%) and delta-damascone (23%) can be used as such. A pure sample (98%; two diastereoisomers ca. 1:1) was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 95:5) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 25.7/25.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.3 (d), 34.7 (t), 41.7 (t), 51.8 (q), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.9/63.0 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 172.3 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.33 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.47-2.95 (m, 7H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 1H); 3.70 (s, 3H), 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xxviii) Synthesis of methyl 3-(((5S)-2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from (R)-2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-enone (carvone gauche; 28.1 g, 187 mmol), DBU (0.25 g) and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (27.0 g, 225 mmol) according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii). The resulting crude material (53.2 g), containing some residual carvone can be used as such. Further purification by vacuum distillation (132-140° C., 0.1 mbar) afforded 35.1 g (69% yield) of the pure title compound.

¹³C NMR: 12.6 (q), 20.8 (q), 27.0 (t), 34.6 (t), 35.9 (t), 40.7 (d), 46.0 (t), 48.6 (d), 50.2 (d), 51.8 (q), 110.3 (t), 147.0 (s), 172.1 (s), 209.5 (s).

¹H-NMR: 1.15 (d, J=6.7, 3H); 1.76 (s, 3H); 1.97-2.07 (m, 1H); 2.15-2.29 (m, 2H); 2.44-2.51 (m, 1H); 2.56-2.63 (m, 2H); 2.74-2.85 (m, 3H); 2.85-2.96 (m, 1H); 3.42-3.48 (m, 1H); 3.70 (s, 3H); 4.71-4.86 (m, 2H).

xxix) Synthesis of methyl 3-((4,4-dimethyl-2-(pent-4-enoyl)cyclohexyl)thio)propanoate (main isomer)

This compound was prepared from a mixture of 1-(5,5- and 3,3-dimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)pent-4-en-1-one (Neobutenone®; origin: Firmenich SA; 8.0 g, 41.6 mmol), DBU (0.06 g) and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (5.0 g, 41.6 mmol) according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii). The resulting crude material (14.0 g), containing the target compound (75%; isomer ratio cis/trans ca. 1:1), 10% of other regioisomers, as well as some residual Neobutenone®, can be used as such. Further purification by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 137-140° C., 0.1 mbar) afforded 8.7 g (67% yield) of title compound (also containing ca. 10% of other regioisomers).

¹³C-NMR (major isomers): 24.2/24.4 (q), 26.4/27.2 (t), 27.3/27.6 (t), 28.0/30.2 (t), 30.0/30.1 (s), 32.4/32.8 (q), 33.1/34.7 (t), 34.9/35.6 (t), 38.9/39.4 (t), 42.5/42.8 (t), 44.6/45.3 (d), 50.2/52.2 (d), 51.7/51.8 (q), 115.0/115.1 (t), 137.3/137.5 (d), 172.3 (s), 210.1/212.0 (s).

¹H-NMR (major isomers): 0.85-1.02 (m, 6H); 1.06-2.03 (m, 6H); 2.28-2.38 (m, 2H); 2.45-2.82 (m, 8H); 3.67-3.71 (m, 3H); 4.94-5.10 (m, 2H); 5.75-5.90 (m, 1H).

xxx) Synthesis of methyl 3-((7-(pent-4-enoyl)spiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)thio)propanoate-methyl 3-((7-(pent-4-enoyl)spiro[4.5]decan-6-yl)thio)propanoate (mixture)

This compound was prepared from a mixture of 1-(spiro[4.5]dec-7- and 6-en-7-yl)pent-4-en-1-one (Spirogalbanone®; origin: Givaudan SA), DBU and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR (major isomers): 23.9/24.0 (t), 24.9/25.0 (t), 26.4/27.2 (t), 27.3/27.6 (t), 29.2/30.4 (t), 31.5/31.9 (t), 34.5/34.6 (t), 34.7/34.9 (t), 37.6/39.3 (t), 41.6 (t), 41.9/42.2 (s), 42.1/42.4 (t), 44.6/45.3 (d), 51.6/53.5 (d), 51.7/51.8 (q), 115.0/115.1 (t), 137.3/137.5 (d), 172.3 (s), 210.2/211.9 (s).

¹H-NMR (major isomers): 1.18-1.81 (m, 14H); 1.82-2.06 (m, 1H); 2.28-2.37 (m, 2H); 2.46-2.69 (m, 5H); 2.70-2.82 (m, 2H); 3.66-3.69 (m, 3H); 4.94-5.08 (m, 2H); 5.76-5.90 (m, 1H).

xxxi) Synthesis of methyl 3-(((1S,1′R,5R)-2,6,6-trimethyl-4′-oxospiro[bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,1′-cyclohexan]-2′-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from (1S,1′S,2S,5R)-2,6,6-trimethylspiro[bicycle[3.1.1]heptane-3,1′-cyclohex[2]en]-4′-one (Wolfwood®; origin: Firmenich SA), DBU and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 18.8/19.8 (q), 23.6/23.9 (q), 26.3/26.7 (t), 27.0/27.3 (q), 27.1/27.4 (t), 27.4 (q), 34.1/34.6 (t), 36.3 (s), 37.2/37.8 (t), 38.8/39.1 (s), 40.4 (d), 41.4 (t), 41.5/41.6 (d), 43.3/44.0 (t), 46.0 (t), 51.0/51.8 (d), 51.8/54.1 (d), 172.2 (s), 209.0/209.4 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.93-1.11 (m, 3H); 1.17-1.27 (m, 4H); 1.28-1.46 (m, 3H); 1.58-1.91 (m, 1H); 1.91-2.18 (m, 5H); 1.92-2.55 (m, 4H); 2.55-2.70 (m, 3H); 2.71-2.90 (m, 2H); 2.91-3.08 (m, 1H); 3.12-3.16 (m, 0.5H); 3.48-3.52 (m, 0.5H); 3.68-3.71 (m, 3H).

xxxii) Synthesis of methyl 3-((3,7-dimethyl-1-oxooct-6-en-3-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from (E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal (citral; 10.0 g, 65.7 mmol), DBU (0.1 g) and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (7.9 g, 65.7 mmol) according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii). The resulting crude material (19.5 g), containing some residual citral can be used as such. Further purification by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 132-140° C., 0.1 mbar) afforded 12.5 g (70% yield) of pure title compound (97%).

¹³C-NMR: 17.7 (q), 22.5 (t), 22.8 (t), 25.7 (q), 26.2 (q), 34.0 (t), 40.8 (t), 46.4 (s), 51.8 (q), 52.4 (t), 123.3 (d), 132.3 (s), 172.1 (s), 201.3 (d).

¹H-NMR: 1.42 (s, 3H); 1.60-1.70 (m, 8H); 2.03-2.17 (m, 2H); 2.53-2.60 (m, 4H); 2.74-2.80 (m, 2H); 3.70 (s, 3H); 5.05-5.11 (m, 1H); 9.83-9.86 (m, 1H).

xxxiii) Synthesis of methyl 3-((2-formyl-1-phenyloctyl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from (E)-2-benzylideneoctanal (hexylcinnamic aldehyde; origin: Firmenich SA), DBU and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 14.0 (q), 22.4/22.5 (t), 26.0/26.2 (t), 26.5/26.8 (t), 27.4/28.4 (t), 29.0/29.2 (t), 31.4/31.5 (t), 34.2 (t), 49.8/50.5 (d), 51.8 (q), 56.5/56.8 (d), 127.7/127.8 (d); 128.4 (2d), 128.7 (2d), 139.6 (s), 172.1 (s), 202.0/202.6 (d).

¹H-NMR: 0.77-0.90 (m, 3H); 1.05-1.34 (m, 9H); 1.38-1.78 (m, 1H); 2.37-2.48 (m, 2H); 2.52-2.68 (m, 3H); 3.62-3.66 (m, 3H); 3.94-4.17 (m, 1H); 7.22-7.38 (m, 5H); 9.51-9.62 (m, 1H).

xxxiv) Synthesis of methyl 3-((1-cyano-2,6-dimethyloct-5-en-2-yl)thio)propanoate, (Z/E) isomeric mixture

This compound was prepared from 3,7-dimethylnona-2,6-dienenitrile (Lemonile®; origin: Givaudan SA), DBU and methyl 3-mercaptopropanoate, according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR (deduced from the mixture): major (E), 55% of the mixture, 12.7 (q), 16.0 (q), 22.8 (t), 22.9 (t), 25.8 (q), 30.8 (t), 32.3 (t), 34.0 (t), 39.7 (t), 46.3 (s), 51.9 (q), 117.1 (s), 121.3 (d), 138.1 (s), 172.1 (s); minor (Z), 45% of the mixture, 12.8 (q), 16.0 (q), 22.7 (t), 24.8 (t), 25.8 (q), 30.8 (2t), 34.0 (t), 39.9 (t), 46.3 (s), 51.9 (q), 117.1 (s), 122.5 (d), 138.4 (s), 170.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.95-1.01 (m, 3H); 1.41-1.45 (m, 3H); 1.61-1.63 (m, 2H); 1.64-1.71 (m, 3H); 1.94-2.19 (m, 4H); 2.55-2.61 (m, 2H); 2.64-2.67 (m, 2H); 2.76-2.72 (m, 2H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 5.01-5.12 (m, 1H).

xxxv) Synthesis of methyl 3-((2-cyano-1-phenylethyl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from cinnamonitrile, DBU and methyl 3-mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 25.6 (t), 26.6 (t), 34.1 (t), 45.7 (d), 51.9 (q), 117.1 (s), 127.4 (2d), 128.5 (d), 129.1 (2d), 139.0 (s), 171.9 (s).

¹H-NMR: 2.48-2.53 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.71 (m, 2H); 2.85-2.91 (m, 2H); 3.66 (s, 3H); 4.12-4.19 (m, 1H); 7.28-7.35 (m, 1H); 7.35-7.39 (m, 4H).

xxxvi) Synthesis of methyl 3-((1-cyano-1-phenylpentan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound (ca. 1:1 mixture of diastereoisomers) was prepared from 2-phenylhex-2-enenitrile (Salicynile®; origin: Firmenich SA) and methyl 3-mercaptopropanoate, according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 13.6 (q), 20.1/20.2 (t), 26.9/27.5 (t), 33.5/34.7 (t), 34.8/36.0 (t), 44.6/44.7 (d), 50.8/51.4 (d), 51.8/51.9 (q), 119.1/119.2 (s), 128.2 (d), 128.3 (d), 128.4/128.5 (d), 128.8 (d), 128.9 (d), 133.7/133.8 (s), 172.0/172.1 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.82-0.94 (m, 3H); 1.22-1.72 (m, 4H); 2.37-2.59 (m, 3H); 2.65-2.71 (m, 1H); 2.88-2.97 (m, 1H); 3.64-3.71 (m, 3H); 4.08-4.16 (m, 1H); 7.33-7.42 (m, 5H).

xxxvii) Synthesis of methyl 3-((1-(cyano(phenyl)methyl)cyclohexyl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from 2-cyclohexylidene-2-phenylacetonitrile (Peonile®; origin: Givaudan SA) and methyl 3-mercaptopropanoate, according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 21.5 (t), 21.6 (t), 22.6 (t), 25.2 (t), 33.0 (t), 33.4 (t), 33.7 (t), 50.8 (d), 51.8 (q), 52.6 (s), 119.7 (s), 128.3 (2d), 128.5 (d), 130.1 (2d), 132.0 (s), 172.1 (s).

¹H-NMR: 1.04-1.82 (m, 10H); 2.33-2.53 (m, 4H); 3.69 (s, 3H); 3.95 (s, 1H); 7.34-7.43 (m, 5H).

xxxviii) Synthesis of butyl 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from delta-damascone, DBU and butyl 3-mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 13.7 (q), 19.2 (t), 19.9 (q), 20.8 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 25.8/25.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 30.6 (t), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.3 (d), 34.9 (t), 41.7 (t), 51.8 (q), 55.0/55.2 (t), 62.9 (d), 64.8 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 172.0 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-1.01 (m, 12H); 1.29-1.33 (m, 3H); 1.33-1.44 (m, 2H); 1.58-1.66 (m, 2H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.47-2.64 (m, 4H); 2.69-2.73 (m, 1H); 2.77-2.84 (m, 2H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 1H); 4.07-4.13 (m, 2H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xxxix) Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyl 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from delta-damascone, DBU and 2-ethylhexyl 3-mercaptopropanoate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 11.0 (q), 14.0 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 23.0 (t), 23.8 (t), 25.8/25.9 (t), 28.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 30.4 (t), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.3 (d), 34.9 (t), 38.7 (d), 41.7 (t), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 67.1 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.8 (d), 172.1 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 9H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.26-1.40 (m, 11H); 1.53-1.61 (m, 2H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.58 (m, 1H); 2.58-2.65 (m, 2H); 2.70-2.74 (m, 1H); 2.78-2.84 (m, 2H); 3.28-3.37 (m, 1H); 3.99-4.05 (m, 2H); 5.41-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xl) Synthesis of octadecyl 3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate

This compound was prepared from delta-damascone, DBU and stearyl mercaptopropionate according to the procedure described above (Example xxvii).

¹³C-NMR: 14.1 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 22.7 (t), 25.8 (t), 28.6 (t), 29.3 (t), 29.4 (t), 29.7 (t), 29.5 (t), 29.6 (t), 29.6/29.7 (8t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 31.9 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.3 (d), 34.9 (t), 41.7 (t), 55.1/55.2 (t), 62.9/63.0 (d), 64.9 (t), 124.1/124.2 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 172.0 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 6H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.21-1.37 (m, 33H); 1.57-1.65 (m, 2H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.47-2.57 (m, 2H); 2.57-2.64 (m, 2H); 2.69-2.73 (m, 1H); 2.78-2.84 (m, 2H); 3.27-3.37 (m, 1H); 4.05-4.12 (m, 2H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xli) Synthesis of (S,R)-2-ethyl-2-(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate)

Delta-damascone (29.0 g, 151 mmol), DBU (1.0 g) and 2-ethyl-2-((3-mercaptopropanoyloxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-mercaptopropanoate) (10.0 g, 25.1 mmol) were stirred for 16 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (15 ml), washed with aqueous citric acid, with water and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and then concentrated under high vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The resulting mixture (33.0 g) containing delta-damascone, the target compound (main ingredient), (S,R)-2-ethyl-2-(((3-mercaptopropanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate) and 2-ethyl-2-(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-mercaptopropanoate) can be used as such. A pure sample (90%) of the title compound was obtained by flash-chromatography (heptane/MTBE 70:30) on SiO₂.

¹³C-NMR: 7.4 (q), 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 22.9 (t), 25.7/25.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.4 (d), 34.8 (t), 40.8 (s), 41.7 (t), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 63.9 (t), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 171.5 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 12H); 0.93-1.00 (m, 18H); 1.28-1.32 (m, 9H); 1.46-1.53 (m, 2H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 3H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 3H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 3H); 2.46-2.94 (m, 21H); 3.26-3.36 (m, 3H); 4.06 (s, 6H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 3H); 5.50-5.57 (m, 3H).

xlii) Synthesis of (S,R)-2,2-bis(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate)

Delta-damascone (24.0 g, 125 mmol), DBU (0.5 g) and pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (10.0 g, 20.5 mmol) were stirred for 4 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (15 ml), washed with aqueous citric acid, with water (3×10 ml) and brine (10 ml), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and then concentrated under high vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The resulting mixture (26.9 g) containing delta-damascone, the target compound (main ingredient), (S,R)-2-(((3-mercaptopropanoyl)oxy)methyl)-2-(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1S,2R)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoate), 2,2-bis(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-mercaptopropanoate) and 2-(((3-mercaptopropanoyl)oxy)methyl)-2-(((3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-mercaptopropanoate) can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (20% up to 30% in MTBE) as the eluent.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 25.7/25.8 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.5 (d), 34.7 (t), 41.7 (t), 42.1 (s), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.2 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 171.5 (s), 212.1/212.2 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 12H); 0.93-1.00 (m, 24H); 1.29-1.33 (m, 12H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 4H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 4H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 4H); 2.46-2.94 (m, 28H); 3.26-3.36 (m, 4H); 4.16 (s, 8H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 4H); 5.50-5.57 (m, 4H).

xliii) Synthesis of N,N-dimethyl-3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanamide

Delta-damascone (4.39 g, 22.8 mmol), S-3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl ethanethioate (4.0 g, 22.8 mmol) and DBU (0.17 g, 1.1 mmol) were dissolved in methanol (3.7 ml) and stirred for 4.5 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (15 ml), washed first with aqueous citric acid, then with water and concentrated under vacuum (at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (8.0 g, ca. 1:1 diasteroisomeric mixture) still contains some residual delta-damascone (12%). It can be used as such. A sample was further purified by flash-distillation (bulb to bulb distillation; 195-200° C., 0.1 mbar).

¹³C-NMR: 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.5/21.7 (q), 25.8/25.9 (t), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 33.6 (t), 34.3 (d), 35.4 (q), 37.1 (q), 41.7 (t), 55.0/55.1 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 171.1 (s), 212.3 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.29-1.34 (m, 3H); 1.65-1.73 (m, 1H); 1.92-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.64 (m, 3.5H); 2.70-2.75 (m, 1H); 2.81-2.88 (m, 2H); 2.88-2.93 (m, 0.5H); 0.2.94-2.99 (m, 3H); 2.99-3.05 (m, 3H); 3.28-3.37 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H).

xliv) Synthesis of N,N-dimethyl-3-(((5S)-2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)propanamide

This compound was prepared from carvone gauche (3.70 g, 22.8 mmol), S-3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl ethanethioate and DBU in methanol, according to the procedure described above (Example xliii). The crude material, containing some residual carvone, can be used as such. Purification by chromatography (SiO₂, heptane/MTBE 80:20 to 20:80) yielded 2.5 g of the pure target compound (97% by GC).

¹³C-NMR: 12.6 (q), 20.3 (q), 25.7 (t), 33.7 (t), 35.5 (q), 37.1 (q), 39.4 (t), 44.3 (d), 46.4 (t), 49.7 (d), 50.6 (d), 110.3 (t), 146.5 (s), 170.9 (s), 209.7 (s).

¹H-NMR: 1.23 (d, J=6.5, 3H); 1.75 (s, 3H); 1.78-1.91 (m, 1H); 2.29-2.40 (m, 4H); 2.42-2.50 (m, 1H); 2.53-2.63 (m, 3H); 2.87-2.94 (m, 2H); 2.96 (s, 3H); 3.02 (s, 3H); 4.74-4.81 (m, 2H).

xlv) Synthesis of 3-((3,7-dimethyl-1-oxooct-6-en-3-yl)thio)-N,N-dimethylpropanamide

This compound was prepared from citral (4.2 g, 27.6 mmol), S-3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl ethanethioate and DBU in methanol, according to the procedure described above (Example xliii). The crude material, containing some residual citral, can be used as such. Purification by chromatography (SiO₂, heptane/MTBE 90:10) yielded 2.0 g of the to pure target compound (>99% by NMR, partial decomposition on GC).

¹³C-NMR: 17.7 (q), 22.8 (t), 22.9 (t), 25.6 (q), 26.2 (q), 33.0 (t), 35.4 (q), 37.1 (q), 40.9 (t), 46.4 (s), 52.4 (t), 123.4 (d), 132.2 (s), 170.9 (s), 201.6 (d).

¹H-NMR: 1.42 (s, 3H); 1.60-1.70 (m, 8H); 2.00-2.24 (m, 2H); 2.50-2.63 (m, 4H); 2.78-2.85 (m, 2H); 2.95 (s, 3H); 2.99 (s, 3H); 5.05-5.11 (m, 1H); 9.83-9.86 (m, 1H).

xlvi) Synthesis of 3-((2-cyano-1-phenylethyl)thio)-N,N-dimethylpropanamide

This compound was prepared from cinnamonitrile (4.0 g, 22.8 mmol), S-3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl ethanethioate and DBU in methanol, according to the procedure described above (Example xliii). The crude material (6.1 g, containing ca. 30% cinnamonitrile) can be used as such. Purification by flash-distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 220-225° C., 0.1 mbar) gave 4.1 g of a yellow oil, 95% pure by GC (68% yield).

¹³C-NMR: 25.6 (t), 27.1 (t), 33.4 (t), 35.4 (q), 37.0 (q), 46.0 (d), 117.3 (s), 127.4 (2d), 128.4 (d), 129.0 (2d), 139.5 (s), 170.6 (s).

¹H-NMR: 2.43-2.50 (m, 2H); 2.72-2.78 (m, 2H); 2.87-2.93 (m, 8H); 4.15-4.20 (m, 1H); 7.27-7.33 (m, 1H); 7.33-7.41 (m, 4H).

xlvii) Synthesis of 2-methyl-3-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)propanoic acid

Delta-damascone (9.0 g, 46.8 mmol) and 3-mercapto-2-methylpropanoic acid (5.0 g, 41.6 mmol) were stirred for 72 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (30 ml), washed several times with H₂O and concentrated under vacuum at a maximum temperature of 50° C. The crude title compound (14.5 g), containing some residual delta-damascone, can be used as such. Further purification by flash chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of MTBE and n-heptane (20% up to 40% in MTBE) as the eluent afforded 10.5 g (yield 81%) of 95% pure target compound.

¹³C-NMR: 16.6/16.8 (q), 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.9 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 33.8/34.0 (t), 34.7/34.9 (d), 40.1/40.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 55.1/55.2 (t), 62.9/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 181.3/181.5 (s), 212.2/212.4 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.86-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.93-1.02 (m, 6H); 1.26-1.34 (m, 6H); 1.65-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.18-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.58 (m, 1.4H); 2.58-2.66 (m, 1H); 2.69-2.76 (m, 2H); 2.86-2.94 (m, 1H); 2.94-2.96 (m, 0.6H); 3.25-3.37 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.57 (m, 1H); 11.05 (s, 1H).

xlviii) Synthesis of 2-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)succinic acid

Delta-damascone (23.0 g, 120 mmol), mercaptosuccinic acid (6.0 g, 40 mmol) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO; 20 ml) were stirred for 93 h at room temperature. The solvent and the excess of delta-damascone were removed by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 90-140° C., 0.1 mbar) to yield the title compound (7.5 g, 55% yield). The resulting 95% pure material can be used as such.

¹³C-NMR: 19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.5/21.9 (q), 29.8 (q), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (t), 35.9/36.2 (d), 36.5 (t), 40.8/41.3 (d), 41.7 (t), 54.3/55.2 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 176.7/176.8 (s), 177.8/178.1 (s), 211.9/212.5 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.85-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.92-1.02 (m, 6H); 1.33-1.39 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.93-2.01 (m, 1H); 2.19-2.25 (m, 1H); 2.46-2.58 (m, 1H); 2.70-3.09 (m, 4H); 3.51-3.63 (m, 1H); 3.67-3.84 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.50-5.58 (m, 1H); 11.47 (s, 2H).

xlix) Synthesis of 4-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)butanoic acid

Delta-damascone (3.0 g, 15.6 mmol) and 4-mercaptobutanoic acid (2.0 g, 16.6 mmol) were stirred for 5 d at room temperature. Unreacted starting material, as well as dihydrothiophen-2(3H)-one, generated as a by-product, was removed by vacuum distillation (bulb to bulb distillation, 90-140° C., 0.1 mbar) to yield the title compound (0.6 g, ca. 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture, 12% yield).

¹³C-NMR: 19.9/20.0 (q), 20.8 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 24.5 (t), 29.8 (q), 30.0/30.1 (t), 31.6/31.8 (d), 32.8 (t), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.0/34.1 (d), 41.8 (t), 55.1/55.2 (t), 62.9/63.0 (d), 124.1/124.3 (d), 131.7/131.8 (d), 179.4 (s), 212.4/212.5 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.00 (m, 6H); 1.27-1.33 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.88-2.08 (m, 3H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.47-2.78 (m, 7H); 3.26-3.36 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.58 (m, 1H); 11.23 (s, 1H).

1) Synthesis of trimethylsilyl 4-((4-oxo-4-((1RS,2SR)-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)butan-2-yl)thio)butanoate

Using the experimental procedure described above (Example v) the title compound was obtained from the acid described above (Example xlix).

¹³C-NMR: −0.22 (q), 19.8/19.9 (q), 20.7 (q), 21.6/21.8 (q), 24.9/25.0 (t), 29.8 (q), 30.0/30.1 (t), 31.6/31.8 (d), 33.1/33.2 (s), 34.1 (d), 34.7 (t), 41.8 (t), 55.1/55.2 (t), 62.8/62.9 (d), 124.1/124.2 (d), 131.8/131.9 (d), 173.6 (s), 212.2/212.3 (s).

¹H-NMR: 0.29 (s, 9H); 0.87-0.92 (m, 3H); 0.94-1.01 (m, 6H); 1.27-1.32 (m, 3H); 1.66-1.74 (m, 1H); 1.84-2.03 (m, 3H); 2.18-2.24 (m, 1H); 2.40-2.62 (m, 6H); 2.68-2.73 (m, 1H); 3.25-3.35 (m, 1H); 5.42-5.48 (m, 1H); 5.51-5.58 (m, 1H).

Example 2 Performance of a Softener Base Comprising an Invention's Compound of Formula (I) as Compared to the Prior-Art

The liberation of delta-damascone from the present invention's compounds of formula (I) was tested in a fabric softening surfactant emulsion with the following final composition:

Stepantex ® VL90 A (origin: Stepan) 16.5% by weight Calcium chloride (10% aq. solution)  0.6% by weight Water 82.9% by weight

The different compounds prepared in Example 1 were individually dissolved in ethanol (3 ml) at a concentration to release a total amount of 0.135 mmol of the fragrance and then dispersed in the above described fabric softening surfactant emulsion (5.40 g). The samples were shaken and left standing overnight.

In a beaker, the fabric softening surfactant emulsion containing the compound of formula (I) (2.60 g) was diluted with demineralised cold tap water (600 g) and one cotton sheet (EMPA cotton test cloth Nr. 221, origin: Eidgenossische Materialprüfanstalt (EMPA), pre-washed with an unperfumed detergent powder and cut to ca. 12×12 cm sheets) was added to each beaker. The sheet was manually stirred for 3 min, left standing for 2 min, then wrung out by hand and line-dried for 1 or 3 days. As a reference sample, the prior art compound 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone (described as Example 4a in WO 03/049666) was prepared and treated in the same way as described above. All measurements were performed at least twice.

One dry cotton sheet was put into a headspace sampling cell (internal volume ca. 160 ml), thermostatted at 25° C. and exposed to a constant air flow (200 ml/min), respectively. The air was filtered through active charcoal and aspirated through a saturated solution of NaCl, corresponding to a constant humidity of ca. 75%. During 15 min, the volatiles were adsorbed onto a waste Tenax® cartridge, then during 15 min onto a clean Tenax® cartridge. The sampling was repeated 7 times every 60 min (45 min trapping on the waste cartridge and 15 min on a clean cartridge); the waste cartridges were discarded. The cartridges with the volatiles were thermally desorbed on a Perkin Elmer TurboMatrix ATD desorber coupled to an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC System equipped with a HP-1 capillary column (30 m, i.d. 0.32 mm, film 0.25 μm) and a flame ionization detector (FID). The volatiles were analyzed using a temperature gradient from 60° C. to 200° C. at 15° C./min. Headspace concentrations (in ng/1 of air) were obtained by external standard calibration with different concentrations of the delta-damascone to be liberated. The headspace concentrations measured after 150 min of sampling above the dry cotton sheets are listed in the tables below.

TABLE Average headspace concentrations of delta-damascone released from the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 and from prior art 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl- 3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone (described as Example 4a in WO 03/049666) in a fabric softener application after drying for 1 day and sampling for 150 min. Amount of Factor of α,β-unsaturated increase ketone, aldehyde with respect or nitrile released to the prior- Compound from [ng/l] art reference Prior art 24.2 1.0 (WO 03/049666) Example 1 xlviii 51.2 2.0 Example 1 xxiv 62.9 2.6 Example 1 xxiii 82.8 3.4

TABLE Average headspace concentrations of delta-damascone released from the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 and from prior art 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl- 3-cyclohexen-l-yl)-1-butanone (described as Example 4a in WO 03/049666) in a fabric softener application after drying for 3 days and sampling for 150 min. Amount of Factor of α,β-unsaturated increase ketone, aldehyde with respect or nitrile released to the prior- Compound from [ng/l] art reference Prior art 113.2 1.0 (WO 03/049666) Example 1 xv 130.6 1.2 Example 1 xxxviii 132.0 1.2 Example 1 i 190.3 1.7 Example 1 v 207.6 1.8 Example 1 xxiii 207.9 1.8 Example 1 xlvii 233.0 2.1 Example 1 xxvii 250.1 2.2 Example 1 xlviii 256.1 2.3 Example 1 iv 277.4 2.5

The data show that the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 release considerably more delta-damascone in a fabric softener application after 1 day and 3 days than the prior art 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone (described as Example 4a in WO 03/049666).

Example 3 Performance of a Softener Base Comprising an Invention's Compound of Formula (I) as Compared to the Unmodified α,β-Unsaturated Ketone, Aldehyde or Nitrile to be Released

The liberation of an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile from the present to invention's compounds of formula (I) was tested in a fabric softening surfactant emulsion as described above in Example 2. As a reference sample, a solution containing an equimolar amount of unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile to be liberated from the compounds of formula (I) was added to a sample of the fabric softening surfactant emulsion and was treated as described above in Example 2. All measurements were performed at least twice. The headspace concentrations measured after 150 min of sampling above the dry cotton sheets are listed in the tables below and compared to the headspace concentrations of the corresponding unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile to be released from the compounds of formula (I) used as the reference.

TABLE Average headspace concentrations of α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes or nitriles released from the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 and of the corresponding unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile in a fabric softener application after drying for 1 day and sampling for 150 min. Amount of Amount of unmodified Factor of α,β-unsaturated α,β-unsaturated increase ketone, aldehyde ketone, aldehyde with respect Compound or nitrile released or nitrile (reference) to the from [ng/l] [ng/l] reference Example 1 ix 11.9 1.7 7.0 Example 1 xiii 25.3 1.7 14.9 Example 1 iv 20.4 1.7 12.0 Example 1 vi 11.0 1.7 6.5 Example 1 xxvii 20.2 1.7 11.9 Example 1 xliii 12.8 1.7 7.5 Example 1 xix 8.1 1.7 4.8 Example 1 xx 6.3 1.7 3.7 Example 1 xxi 13.4 1.7 7.9 Example 1 xxii 22.3 1.7 13.1 Example 1 vii 9.3 1.4 6.6 Example 1 xxxvi 3.4 1.0 3.4 Example 1 xxix 1.7 0.3 5.7 Example 1 xxviii 28.0 0.1* 280.0 Example 1 ii 40.4 9.3 4.3 Example 1 xxxiii 15.7 11.1 1.4 Example 1 iii 15.1 11.1 1.4 Example 1 xxxii 35.7 0.1* 357.0 *no compound was detected and a value of 0.1 ng/l was taken as the minimum of detection.

TABLE Average headspace concentrations of α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes or nitriles released from the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 and of the corresponding unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile in a fabric softener application after drying for 3 days and sampling for 150 min. Amount of Amount of unmodified Factor of α,β-unsaturated α,β-unsaturated increase ketone, aldehyde ketone, aldehyde with respect Compound or nitrile released or nitrile (reference) to the from [ng/l] [ng/l] reference Example 1 xi 10.6 1.2 8.8 Example 1 xvi 44.4 1.2 37.0 Example 1 xvii 33.5 1.2 27.9 Example 1 vi 83.8 1.2 69.8 Example 1 x 27.4 1.2 22.8 Example 1 xxxix 20.2 1.2 16.8 Example 1 xxv 80.5 1.2 67.1 Example 1 xxvi 104.5 1.2 87.1 Example 1 xli 54.4 1.2 45.3 Example 1 xlii 17.7 1.2 14.8 Example 1 xlix 48.6 1.2 40.5 Example 1 xxi 63.2 1.2 52.7 Example 1 xl 93.4 1.2 77.8 Example 1 xiv 73.7 1.2 61.4

The data show that the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 release considerably more α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile in a fabric softener application after 1 day and 3 days than the unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile reference sample.

Example 4 Performance of an all Purpose Cleaner Comprising an Invention's Compound of Formula (I)

The use as perfuming ingredient of the present invention's compounds of formula (I) has been tested in an all purpose surface cleaner (APC). An APC base with the following final composition has been prepared:

Neodol ® 91-8 (origin: Shell Chemicals) 5.0% by weight Marlon ® A 375 (origin: Hüls AG) 4.0% by weight Sodium cumolsulphonate 2.0% by weight Kathon ® CG (origin: Rohm and Haas) 0.2% by weight Water 88.8% by weight 

One of the invention's compounds of formula (I) was weighed into the APC base (1 ml) at a concentration to release a total amount of 0.012 mmol of the fragrance. Then the sample was diluted with demineralized tap water (9 ml). Another sample containing the unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile to be released (0.3 mmol) instead of the invention's compound of formula (I) was prepared in the same way as the reference. The samples were shaken and then deposited as a film onto a porous ceramic plate (ca. 5×10 cm) by carefully pipetting 0.75 ml of the diluted samples onto the surface of the substrate. The samples were then covered with a ca. 2.5.1 crystallizing dish and left standing at room temperature. After one day, the substrates were placed inside a headspace sampling cell (ca. 625 ml) and exposed to a constant air flow of ca. 200 ml/min. The air was filtered through active charcoal and aspirated through a saturated solution of NaCl (to ensure a constant humidity of the air of ca. 75%). During 135 min the headspace system was left equilibrating, and then the volatiles were adsorbed during 15 minutes on a clean Tenax® cartridge. The cartridges were desorbed and analyzed as described in Example 2. All measurements were performed at least twice.

The headspace concentrations measured after 150 min of sampling above the porous ceramic plate are listed in the table below and compared to the headspace concentrations of the corresponding unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile to be released from the compounds of formula (I) used as the reference.

TABLE Average headspace concentrations of α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes or nitriles released from the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 and of the corresponding unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile in an all purpose cleaner application after 1 day and sampling for 150 min. Amount of Amount of unmodified Factor of α,β-unsaturated α,β-unsaturated increase ketone, aldehyde ketone, aldehyde with respect Compound or nitrile released or nitrile (reference) to the from [ng/l] [ng/l] reference Prior art 16.0 13.7 1.2 (WO 03/049666) Example 1 xxv 21.6 13.7 1.6 Example 1 xxvii 26.1 13.7 1.9 Example 1 xxiii 53.9 13.7 3.9 Example 1 xxi 39.4 13.7 2.8

The data show that the compounds of formula (I) as prepared in Example 1 release considerably more α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile in a fabric softener application after 1 day and 3 days than the unmodified α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile or the prior art 3-(dodecylthio)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-butanone (described as Example 4a in WO 03/049666). 

1. A method to confer, enhance, improve or modify the odor properties of a perfuming composition or of a perfumed article, which method comprises adding to said composition or article an effective amount of at least a compound of formula (I):

wherein: a) m represents an integer from 1 to 6; b) Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile and is represented by the formulae

in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and the sulfur atom S; R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; and R², R³ and R⁴ represent a hydrogen atom, a C₆₋₉ aromatic group or a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, said R², R³ and R⁴ being optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; or two, or three, of the groups R¹ to R⁴ are bonded together to form a saturated or unsaturated ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and including the carbon atom to which said R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ groups are bonded, this ring being optionally substituted by C₁₋₈ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups; and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of the formula (II) or (II′) as defined hereinabove; c) X represents an oxygen atom or a NR⁵ group, R⁵ being a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbon group; d) R represents a divalent linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group; and e) G represents a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal cation, an ammonium cation, or a multivalent C₁₋₂₂ hydrocarbon group (i.e. having a m valence) optionally comprising one silicium atom and/or from 1 or 2 functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether, alcohol, ester, ketone, quaternary amine or amine, or represents mono- or divalent C₄₋₃₀ hydrocarbon group comprising from 2 to 15 ether functional groups.
 2. The method as recited claim 1 wherein said group Pro is a group of the formulae

in which formulae the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and the S atom, the dotted lines represent a single or double bond, R⁷ indicating a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of the formulae (P-1) to (P-16) as defined hereinabove.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said group R represents a linear or branched C₁-C₃, alkanediyl group optionally comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said group G represents: a hydrogen atom, a sodium or potassium cation, an ammonium cation or a C₁₋₈ quaternary amine cation; a group of formula Si(R⁶)_(4-m), in which m is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁶ represents a C₁₋₈ hydrocarbon or alkoxyl group; a C₁₋₁₀ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl or aromatic group optionally comprising from 1 or 2 ether, ester, quaternary amines or ketone functional groups; a C₂₋₁₀ linear, branched or cyclic alkanediyl or benzenediyl group optionally comprising from 1 or 2 ether, ester, quaternary amines or ketone functional groups; a C₄₋₁₀ branched or cyclic alkane-tri/tetra-yl group optionally comprising from 1 or 2 ether, ester, quaternary amines or ketone functional groups; or a (CH₂CH₂O)_(q)R′ group with R′ being a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and with q being an integer varying between 3 and
 12. 5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said m is an integer from 1 to
 4. 6. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said X is an oxygen atom or an NR⁵ or NH group wherein R⁵ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said compound comprises a compound of formula

wherein Pro and G have the meaning indicated in claim 1, n is 1 or 2, and R⁸ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or a CH₂COOH or a CH₂COOM group, with M being an alkaline metal cation or an ammonium cation.
 8. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: a) m represents an integer from 1 to 6; b) Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrile and is represented by the formulae

in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and the sulfur atom S; R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; and R², R³ and R⁴ represent a hydrogen atom, a C₆₋₉ aromatic group or a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, said R², R³ and R⁴ being optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; or two, or three, of the groups R¹ to R⁴ are bonded together to form a saturated or unsaturated ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and including the carbon atom to which said R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ groups are bonded, this ring being optionally substituted by C₁₋₈ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups; and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of the formula (II) or (II′) as defined hereinabove; c) X represents an oxygen atom or a NR⁵ group, R⁵ being a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbon group; d) R represents a divalent linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group; and e) G represents a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal cation, an ammonium cation, or a multivalent C₁₋₂₂ hydrocarbon group (i.e. having a m valence) optionally comprising one silicium atom and/or from 1 or 2 functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether, alcohol, ester, ketone, quaternary amine or amine, or represents mono- or divalent C₄₋₃₀ hydrocarbon group comprising from 2 to 15 ether functional group; provided that phenylmethyl 2-[[[1-methyl-1-(4-methyl-2-oxocyclohexyl)ethyl]thio]-acetate, methyl 2-[[[(1S,2R,5R)-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxobicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-yl]methyl]thio]-acetate, ethyl/methyl 2-((3-oxo-1,3-diphenylpropyl)thio)acetate, methyl 2-[(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)thio]-acetate, 2-((2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)acetic acid and ethyl 2-((2-methyl-3-oxo-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)thio)acetate are excluded.
 9. A perfuming composition comprising as perfuming ingredient, at least one compound of formula (I): a) a compound of formula (I):

wherein: i) m represents an integer from 1 to 6; ii) Pro represents a hydrogen atom or a group susceptible of generating an odoriferous α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or nitrite and is represented by the formulae

in which the wavy line indicates the location of the bond between said Pro and the sulfur atom S; R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; and R², R³ and R⁴ represent a hydrogen atom, a C₆₋₉ aromatic group or a C₁ to C₁₅ linear, cyclic or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl group, said R², R³ and R⁴ being optionally substituted by C₁ to C₄ alkyl groups; or two, or three, of the groups R¹ to R⁴ are bonded together to form a saturated or unsaturated ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and including the carbon atom to which said R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ groups are bonded, this ring being optionally substituted b C₁₋₈ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkenyl groups; and with the proviso that at least one of the Pro groups is of the formula (II) or (II′) as defined hereinabove; iii) X represents an oxygen atom or a NR⁵ group, R⁵ being a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbon group; iv) R represents a divalent linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally comprising a carboxylic acid or an alkaline carboxylate group; and v) G represents a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal cation, an ammonium cation, or a multivalent C₁₋₂₂ hydrocarbon group (i.e. having a m valence) optionally comprising one silicium atom and/or from 1 or 2 functional groups selected from the group consisting of ether, alcohol, ester, ketone, quaternary amine or amine, or represents mono- or divalent C₄₋₃₀ hydrocarbon group comprising from 2 to 15 ether functional groups; b) at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of a perfumery carrier and a perfumery base; and c) optionally at least one perfumery adjuvant.
 10. A perfuming consumer product which comprises i) as perfuming ingredient, at least one compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 9; and ii) a perfumery consumer base.
 11. A perfuming consumer product according to claim 10, characterized in that the perfumery consumer base is a fine perfume, a cologne, an after-shave lotion, a liquid or solid detergent, a fabric softener, a fabric refresher, an ironing water, a paper, a bleach, a shampoo, a coloring preparation, a hair spray, a vanishing cream, a deodorant or antiperspirant, a perfumed soap, shower or bath mousse, oil or gel, a hygiene product, an air freshener, a “ready to use” powdered air freshener, a wipe, a dish detergent or hard-surface detergent. 